Get a free diagnosis before you call a repair pro or buy parts.
The usual suspects are a clogged drain pump filter (coins, lint, socks), a kinked or blocked drain hose, a failed drain pump, or a lid/door lock problem that stops the drain cycle from starting. On most front-loaders the pump filter is behind a small access panel at the bottom front.
On many machines, yes — unplug the washer first, put down towels, and open the small access panel at the bottom front to reach the filter. Water will come out. If your machine has no accessible filter or the blockage is deeper, a diagnosis helps you decide whether a pro visit is worth it.
Often not — a clogged filter or hose costs nothing but time, and a replacement drain pump is typically a modest part cost. A diagnosis first tells you which situation you're in before you pay for a service call.